Hunter By The Dozen

Chapter 5

"Um... how's it going?"

Dream turned back, confused. George was completely silent during the duration of their ride back home on Spirit, and there was no way in hell Dream would be the one starting any conversation. Spirit definitely wasn't quiet during it, not being used to carrying multiple passengers. 

"I'm... fine," Dream said, drier than an introvert's text conversations. 

After his mediocre response, Dream went back into his room and began sharpening his tools. George followed him tenaciously, but as he approached the doorway, Dream put his arm up quickly. 

"You sleep on the couch. I'm working right now."

While looking surprised and hurt by Dream's harshness, he reluctantly walked somberly to the couch. Realizing how much he was being a jerk, he called George back and attempted to initiate conversation

"So, what's your story?"

"I'm- I was a guitarist where I was from..."

"And?"

George remained silent, obviously hiding something from his past. The two were quiet, having a thousand words to say but no room to tell them. 

Dream broke the silence, saying "Ok, I'm going to fix dinner, and maybe we'll find a conversation in the food."

George giggled softy, but then retracted it, not sure if Dream told a joke or not. Desperate to have some type of interaction with him instead of this awkward silence, he offered to help Dream with dinner. Dream was about to refuse, but knowing that it'd take him long if he did, he accepted the offer. So, as George prepared and got the vegetables, Dream cooked the meat and pasta. After it was ready, they put the meals on the table and got ready to eat. Dream saw the only one chair on the dinner table and George offered to stand, not wanting to cause conflict. 

As they sat, George attempted to spark some type of conversation.

"So, how long have you been Manhut Enterprises?" 

"Manhunt Enterprises," Dream corrected him, "And for about, I'll say about 15 years."

"Whoa, that's a lot!" George said in surprise, "What made you join?"

Suddenly, hundreds of flashed in Dream's head. Fire. Screaming. Floorboards. Those words ran in Dream's head. His head started to throb, and Dream started to wince inside.

"Are you ok?" George asked worryingly.

Suddenly, Dream snapped back to reality. Almost as nothing happened, Dream responded, saying "Nothing. I'm fine."

That was the first lie he told to George.